FANTASTIC WAYS A CIVIL ENGINEERING JOB COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Anyone who has recently completed a relevant course at college or university might consider becoming a civil engineer in the near future. We’re going to highlight all the main benefits of choosing that career path today in the hope of encouraging more of you to get involved. There are so many good things that could happen in your life if you secure a position at one of the world’s top engineering firms. Don’t take our word for it though. We spoke to some people currently working in that profession to find out which aspects of their job provide the best experience. Our findings are listed below.

TRAVELLING THE WORLD

Many civil engineering companies win contractions in various different countries. That means employees can find themselves travelling the world on a yearly basis. Sometimes your stay abroad might be for a few days; other times it could be for a few months. Ultris at The Madison and similar communities have been set up to give people in your position somewhere to stay. While they were originally designed as military settlements, many of them now welcome business travelers too.

EARNING A STABLE WAGE

It is entirely possible for any company to go bust in the current economy. However, only a few engineering firms have felt the full force of the global recession. That is because those companies often work on a without borders. Whenever work drops off in certain locations, they simply apply for contracts elsewhere. One of the main plus points of working as a civil engineer is that you will have a stable source of income for life. Even if the worst happens and your employer experiences financial trouble, there are plenty of other firms you can contact.

GETTING JOB SATISFACTION

Working as a civil engineer could mean you undertake all manner of different tasks. Your problem-solving skills have to be excellent to build a good reputation in that industry. In some roles, you might find yourself helping to deal with the plans for a new airport or railway. In others, it is possible that you will oversee the construction of irrigation systems and even power plants. So, you’re life will never become boring, and you should experience a varied working day.

MAKING NEW CONTACTS

One of the best things about working abroad and undertaking significant construction jobs is that you will have to work closely with other team members. That means you could make friends with different people from all walks of life. Broadening your horizons in that manner is a good idea if you want to become a well-rounded individual. Sometimes we find that spending time with people from other cultures can help to increase understanding. Who knows? You might even meet your future life partner while spending time away with the company.

It should be obvious now that a career in civil engineering is fantastic if you don’t have too many family commitments. Of course, there are many relevant companies that only operate in the US, and so travelling abroad is not essential. However, it’s a brilliant way to see the world while getting paid.

Clasification OF Surveying

Surveying may be classified on the basis of nature of the survey field, object of survey, instruments used and the methods employed.

1. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NATURE OF SURVEY FIELD

This basis survey may be classified as land survey, marine or hydraulic survey and astronomical survey.

LAND SURVEY

It involves measurement of various objects on land. This type of survey may be further classified as given below:

(a) Topographic Survey: It is meant for plotting natural features like rivers, lakes, forests and hills as well as man made features like roads, railways, towns, villages and canals.

(b) Cadestal Survey: It is for marking the boundaries of municipalities, villages, talukas, districts, states etc. The survey made to mark properties of individuals also come under this category.

(c) City Survey: The survey made in connection with the construction of streets, water supply and sewage lines fall under this category.

MARINE OR HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY

Survey conducted to find depth of water at various points in bodies of water like sea, river and lakes fall under this category. Finding depth of water at specified points is known as sounding.

ASTRONOMICAL SURVEY

Observations made to heavenly bodies like sun, stars etc., to locate absolute positions of points on the earth and for the purpose of calculating local time is known as astronomical survey.

2. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON OBJECT OF SURVEY

On the basis of object of survey the classification can be as engineering survey, military survey, mines survey, geological survey and archeological survey.
(a) Engineering Survey: The objective of this type of survey is to collect data for designing civil engineering projects like roads, railways, irrigation, water supply and sewage disposals. These surveys are further sub-divided into: Reconnaissance Survey for determining feasibility and estimation of the scheme. Preliminary Survey for collecting more information to estimate the cost of the project, and Location Survey to set the work on the ground.

(b) Military Survey: This survey is meant for working out plans of strategic importance.

(c) Mines Survey: This is used for exploring mineral wealth.

(d) Geological Survey: This survey is for finding different strata in the earth’s crust.

(e) Archeological Survey: This survey is for unearthing relics of antiquity.

3.  CLASSIFICATION BASED ON INSTRUMENTS USED

Based on the instruments used, surveying may be classified as:

(i) Chain survey
(ii) Compass survey
(iii) Plane table survey
(iv) Theodolite survey
(v) Tacheometric survey
(vi) Modern survey using electronic distance meters and total station
(vii) Photographic and Aerial survey

The survey is taught to civil engineering students mainly based on this classification.

4. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON METHODS EMPLOYED

On this basis surveying is classified as triangulation and traversing.

(i) Triangulation: In this method control points are established through a network of triangles.
(ii) Traversing: In this scheme of establishing control points consists of a series of connected points established through linear and angular measurements. If the last line meets the starting point it is called as closed traverse. If it does not meet, it is known as open traverse.

Structural Elements For Typical Bridges

1. FOUNDATION

Foundation is required to support the bridge towers, portal frames or piers. Usual foundation methods such as H-pile, pipe-pile, borepile or precast concrete pile can be used for such purpose.

2. BRIDGE TOWER

This is the vertical supporting structure only for cable suspension or cable-stayed bridges. The tower is usually construction in high-strength concrete using in-situ method. Mechanical climb form is most efficient for casting the bridge tower. In some cases, the tower can be constructed in a structural frame type.

3. PIER

Pier is the vertical supporting structure for usual spanned bridges. Pier is more suitable for bridge with maximum width of deck up to about 8m (2 traffic lanes). Usually bridge pier is constructed using in-situ method with large panel formwork.

4. PORTAL FRAME

A portal usually consists on two piers on each side with cross beam in between to support the deck. In this case the width of deck can be up to 20m (6 traffic lanes). In some situations the height of a portal frame can be up to 50m from ground. Climb form can be used in this high headroom cases. The erection of a complicated falsework system to support the portal construction is usually involved.

5. BRIDGE DECK

Bridge deck  is the horizontal part of a bridge that support pedestrian or traffic activities.

6. BRIDGE ANCHOR

Bridge anchor is required only for suspension or cable-stay bridges to resist the pull from the suspension cable or counter-span of the bridge. Bridge anchor can be of gravity type using great mass for the counter-balancing, or using ground anchors for the same purpose.

7. SUSPENSION CABLE

Suspension cable is applicable for suspension and cable-stayed bridges for the hanging, support or counter-balancing of the bridge deck.

 Different methods to form the deck of bridges

1. Balanced cantilever method
2. Construct in-situ
3. Construct using precast beam
4. Construct using precast girder section and erected by a launching machine (viaduct)
5. Construct using incremental launching method

WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING?

Civil Engineering is a branch of engineering that encompasses the conception, design, construction, and management of residential and commercial buildings and structures, water supply facilities, and transportation systems for goods and people, as well as control of the environment for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life. Civil engineering includes planning and design professionals in both the public and private sectors, contractors, builders, educators, and researchers.

The civil engineer holds the safety, health, and welfare of the public paramount. Civil engineering projects and systems should conform to governmental regulations and statutes; should be built economically to function properly with a minimum of maintenance and repair while withstanding anticipated usage and weather; and should conserve energy and allow hazard-free construction while providing healthful, safe, and environmentally sound utilization by society.

Civil engineers play a major role in developing workable solutions to construct, renovate, repair, maintain, and upgrade infrastructure. The infrastructure includes roads, mass transit, railroads, bridges, airports, storage buildings, terminals, communication and control towers, water supply and treatment systems, storm water control systems, waste water collection, treatment and disposal systems, as well as living and working areas, recreational buildings, and ancillary structures for civil and civic needs. Without a well-maintained and functioning infrastructure, the urban area cannot stay healthy, grow, and prosper.

Because the desired objectives are so broad and encompass an orderly progression of interrelated components and information to arrive at the visually pleasing, environmentally satisfactory, and energy-frugal end point, civil engineering projects are actually systems requiring the skills and inputs of many diverse technical specialties, all of which are subsets of the overall civil engineering profession.

Some of the subsets that civil engineers can specialize in include photogrammetry, surveying, mapping, community and urban planning, and waste management and risk assessment. Various engineering areas that civil engineers can specialize in include geotechnical, construction, structural, environmental, water resources, and transportation engineering.

[BOOK] Materials For Civil & Construction Engineers

This book is written by not one but two experienced personalities from the field. Michael S. Mamlouk and John P. Zaniewski. Michael S. Mamlouk is a professor of Arizona state university on environment and civil engineering. He has a many years of experience of teaching in material in civil engineering.

On the other hand John P. Zaniewski is a professor of asphalt technology in civil department of West Virginia University. He was rewarded by teaching award of Arizona state university and WVU.

These two experienced authors have bring forth this book in order to present a comprehensive study material to those who wants to be civil and construction engineers.

WHY THE PRODUCT WAS WRITTEN OR FOR WHOM?

 Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers is an excellent book for the students of Civil, and Construction engineering departments and of course for Civil Engineers at works.  It is a good study material for subjects Civil Engineering Materials, Construction Methods and material for those departments. It covers the concept of basic material information which is used in primary level of civil engineering. It provides a better understanding of material and its performance in construction field including basic requirement for construction and civil industry. In this book, author introduces a brief knowledge on material and its behavior.

This is basically an e-book but is also available in hardcover. This book can be stated as a one stop solution and knowledge hut for those who are truly interested in these aspects of engineering.

GOOD AND BAD THINGS OF THE BOOK

This book contains a huge introductory section as well as latest usage on material practices. It gives basic lessons on material industry which can help students to appear on the exams.

This book contains detailed range of sample problems, test papers which can provide students to practice more and understand the subject in a better way. Complex logics are depicted with figures and experiments, thus it can be easily understandable. Third edition enclose more updated information, new theories, charts, figures, and updated solved test papers. Author entitles a helpful index page and reference cover page which can give students a best way to learn.

Probably the only complain that can be heard about the book is about its vagueness at few places due to its vastness. But that nothing compared to the way it shapes up the interest and knowledge of the amateurs in these fields.

[BOOK] Civil Engineering Reference Manual

The book of Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam is written by Michael R. Lindeburg. He is a well known and reputed personality in the field of engineering be it civil or mechanical.  Now he is sharing his experience with others, with the help of the various books written by him. It is his motto to help amateurs in various ways in their path of being an engineer.

This book is a complete Study guide from Professional publication publisher for CIVIL PE exam.  As per publisher views, It is one of the extensive reference study guide for civil PE exam found in the market.  It provides a consolidate topics on Civil Engineering PE exam. It is best seller throughout the years for CIVIL Engineering students who are appearing PE exam. And the readers of the book have similar things to say about it.

THE INCEPTION

Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam is complete solution for the PE exam. It is an e-book as well as available in hard cover. It contains most structural and effective study material for those who are preparing for the PE exam. It is most comprehensive and more compact than any other book found in the market. Students make them prepare quickly with this study guide for the exam. Content wise it is very productive and advantageous. It covers a complete study schedule and more than 500 solved problems which can coach the student in a better way.

BOTH SIDE OF A COIN

As each thing is attributed with an opposite side so is this book. Despite various positive and advantageous aspects of the book, it does have some minor and negative issues. The pros and cons of the book are-

PROS

The practical solved example problem makes students habituated with the nature of exam so that the students can achieve a good result in PE exam.  It also incorporated with index and glossary which is very easy to find any problematic area. There are huge ranges of charts, tables, figures etc for better understanding of lesions. It gives students a quick idea on question type and exam mode.  It also enclose near about 440 test papers which can help give students a better idea about problem solving techniques.

CONS

The only minor negativity in the book is about its vastness but with all the other aspects in line this issue is not something for consideration.

CONCLUSION

Thus Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam gives a complete reference for not only how to prepare PE exam but also make student very confident to appear for the exam. It helps student to take the right decision in the exam hall for solving the appropriate questions.

Working in The Mining Industry For Civil Engineers

There are many different career paths that you can take once you’ve completed a degree in civil engineering. Some engineers go into city infrastructure, helping to construct buildings, bridges, and more. But others take another route. One option post-graduation is to go into the mining industry, where civil and structural engineers can perform a range of tasks. The minerals sector requires several different types of engineer. You can even take qualifications directly related to engineering for mining companies. The role of civil engineer offers you opportunities all over the world, in mines harvesting a range of minerals. It can be a very satisfying career suited to many people. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Usually, you will only need a Bachelor’s degree to become a civil engineer in the mining industry. There’s no need to pursue any further qualifications, although they can help you to secure a position. Some mining companies will require that you have relevant work experience before you can take up a position. There are several related areas of study that could help you access this career. These subjects include structural, hydraulic and transportation engineering. You might also find that geomechanics, hydrology, construction and economics can help you find a job in this area. 

TASKS INVOLVED

Civil engineers could do a number of things at mining sites. Some of the tasks involved include helping to plan, design and oversee construction of buildings and structures, such as mining shafts. Engineers also need to use their skills to analyze survey reports, maps, blueprints and other topological or geologic data. Taking on a directing role as a civil engineer, you could be overseeing construction or surveying. The role might also involve preparing public reports or giving technical advice, as well as testing materials and inspecting project sites. This is a varied role, with many potential things to do. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Choosing to go into civil engineering in mining could open up employment opportunities for you around the world. If you wanted to go to Australia, you would find companies supplying a number of large and small mining outfits. There are also positions in Canada and the rest of North America, including the US. You’ll also discover civil engineering jobs in several countries in South America, such as Peru and Chile. South Africa also has many opportunities, and you’ll find roles in Europe and Asia too. Many jobs in the mining industry are English speaking though some may require Spanish, Russian or even Portuguese. 

JOB PROGRESSION

If you begin as a site engineer on a mining site, you could soon progress to the role of a project manager. There are many chances for you to take on a team and move into a position with more responsibility. You can oversee others and give directions on construction sites, as well as earning an impressive salary. The mining industry is an excellent choice for any civil engineer who wants to do something different, be paid well and have the chance to take on a senior role.

Engineer Guides Upon Building Bridges

Engineers are commonly associated with building bridges and rightly so. Building bridges is more than just laying pile of woods over an obstacle. It is a structure that should last for a very long time and it should effectively serve its purpose. To achieve this, engineers have to painstakingly and meticulously design a bridge.

While there are different types of bridges and the design and plan may differ, the general guidelines in building a bridge remains the same. Here are some of the guidelines an engineer should never forget to consider when constructing a bridge.

1. MATERIALS

There a lot of materials that an engineer can choose from. These may include wood, steel, plastic, concrete, and others. With the growing concern for saving the earth, some bridges are now innovatively designed to be more eco-friendly. This means that some bridges are now constructed with recycled materials.

2. WEIGHT

A wise engineer would consider the weight that will pass through the bridge. While it is common to think of the vehicles passing through the bridge, the weight of the materials should be taken into consideration as well. Without proper calculation and right planning, a bridge can collapse well before it is being constructed.

3. FUNCTION

A bridge can take various forms and serve different functions. A bridge exclusively built for people will be different from a bridge built for large vehicles. If the main function of bridge is to transport people, then the bridge can be built with lighter materials. But if the bridge will be used by vehicles, then planning should include high quality materials as well.

4. COST

Maybe the number 1 determining factor that affects bridge construction is the budget. The materials, design, and labor force are directly dependent on the allocated budget. It will be futile to plan constructing a bridge and only to find out that there is no enough money to finish the project. Remember that bridges will take months and years to build and it will certainly need a big amount of money to sustain its construction until the end.

5. ENVIRONMENT

A bridge can be a structure built over various obstacles which may include body of water, valleys, ravine, canal, and others. The environment on which the bridge will be constructed should never be forgotten in the equation. Some bridges failed because designing the blueprint was highly concentrated on the bridge itself, while ignoring external factors that can affect the lifespan of the bridge. For example, a bridge built over a river should make sure that the foundation is properly founded. Water scouring may eat away the soil from the base and destroy the bridge from its foundation.

6. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

A bridge should not just be functional, but it should also be aesthetically designed. Of course, this is not of utmost importance, nevertheless, a bridge built with beauty and impressiveness is a sure construction bonus.

These are just some of the factors and guides that every engineer should remember. Remember that the effectiveness of a bridge will greatly depend upon the planning and designing of engineers.

HIGHWAY DESIGN-PARKING ALONG HIGHWAYS AND ARTERIAL STREETS

These paragraphs below deal with parking as it pertains to the mainlanes of a controlled access highway, the frontage roads for such a facility, and parking along urban and suburban arterials. Rest areas as parking facilities are not considered in this article.

EMERGENCY PARKING

Parking on and adjacent to the mainlanes of a highway will not be permitted except for emergency situations. It is of paramount importance, however, that provision be made for emergency parking. Shoulders of adequate design provide for this required parking space.

CURB PARKING

In general, curb parking on urban/suburban arterial streets and frontage roads
should be discouraged. Where speed is low and the traffic volumes are well below capacity, curb parking may be permitted. However, at higher speeds and during periods of heavy traffic movement, curb parking is incompatible with arterial street service and desirably should not be permitted. Curb parking reduces capacity and interferes with free flow of adjacent traffic.

Elimination of curb parking can increase the capacity of four-to-six lane arterials by 50 to 60 percent. If curb parking is used on urban/suburban arterials or frontage roads under the conditions stated above, the following design requirements should be met:

• provide parking lanes only at locations where needed
• parallel parking preferred
• confine parking lanes to outer side of street or frontage road
• require that parking lane widths be 10 feet [3.0 meters]
• restrict parking a minimum of 20 feet [6 meters] back from the radius of the intersection to allow for sight distance, turning clearance and, if desired, a short right turn lane.

ACI BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE REVIEW

WHAT IS ACI

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a non-profit technical society and standard developing organization (SDO). ACI was founded in 1904 and its headquarters are currently located in Farmington Hills, Michigan,USA. 

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE BOOK DESCRIPTION

The “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” (“Code”) covers the materials, design, and construction of structural concrete used in buildings and where applicable in nonbuilding structures.

The Code also covers the strength evaluation of existing concrete structures. Among the subjects covered are: drawings and specifications; inspection; materials; durability requirements; concrete quality, mixing, and placing; formwork; embedded pipes; construction joints; reinforcement details; analysis and design; strength and serviceability; flexural and axial loads; shear and torsion; development and splices of reinforcement; slab systems; walls; footings; precast concrete; composite flexural members; prestressed concrete; shells and folded plate members; strength evaluation of existing structures; provisions for seismic design; structural plain concrete; strut-and-tie modeling in Appendix A; alternative design provisions in Appendix B; alternative load and strength reduction factors in Appendix C; and anchoring to concrete in Appendix D.

The quality and testing of materials used in construction are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standard specifications.

Welding of reinforcement is covered by reference to the appropriate AWS standard. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in general building codes, and earlier editions have been widely used in this manner. The Code is written in a format that allows such reference without change to its language.

Therefore, background details or suggestions for carrying out the requirements or intent of the Code portion cannot be included. The Commentary is provided for this purpose. Some of the considerations of the committee in developing the Code portion are discussed within the Commentary, with emphasis given to the explanation of new or revised provisions.

CONCLUSION

“Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” is one of the most essential resources for  many fields of materials, design, and construction of structural concrete.

Civil Engineering Jobs

A Civil Engineer is responsible for planning, design, construction and/or maintenance of structures. Civil Engineer can work in private constructions companies, governmental public works organizations or in universities as a research fellow or a teacher. Civil Engineer is able to do the following jobs:

Ø To survey a site. Ø To write a technical report about the area or a project. Ø To plot out a Design or Plan of a structure. Ø To plot out a Design of the foundation. Ø To estimate costs, expenses and ensure economy. Ø To construct a structure e.g. buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels, dams. Ø To maintain or repair a previously build structure. Ø To devise means of communication by construction and survey of roads, rails, highways, airports, seaports, train stations or freeway interchanges so that smooth and even flow of traffic (road, sea or air traffic) is maintained as well as higher user rates are ensured. Ø To design foundation for electrical transmission towers, radio signals etc. Ø To teach students in a university. Ø To run and manage a private construction firm. Ø To construct canals and dams and plan water supply schemes, sewer pipes and preventing flooding. Ø Processing and purifying organic materials, environmental impact studies, and the interface of civil engineering projects with the natural world. Ø  Coastal projects and management of coastal areas.

 

Civil & Architectural Engineering Home Design

Civil Engineering Career

Earthquake Engineering

Earthquake engineering is one of the more recent additions to the civil engineering specialties. While the need for earthquake engineering has always existed, the concepts and technology are a much more recent development. While all structures have a need to be designed to be earthquake resistant, it is the proliferation of high-rise buildings which has sparked the interest in developing earthquake survivability technology.

Seismic events create a number of separate, but interrelated problems for buildings and other structures. The earthquake itself can move both laterally and vertically, providing forces to which the structure is not normally subject.

Additionally, earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction, where the soil under a building flows out from under the foundation, eliminating the structural support that the building relies on. Other events, such as landslides can be caused by earthquakes, adding additional hazards.

Earthquake engineering consists of two basic parts: the first is understanding the effects of earthquakes on buildings and other structures. The second is designing structures which can withstand the forces brought to bear during an earthquake and remain safe and serviceable.

Being earthquake safe or serviceable does not mean that the structures will not suffer any damage whatsoever. An earthquake safe structure is one which will not endanger the lives and well-being of people in and around it, in the event of an earthquake. Although superficial damage will occur, the building will not collapse partially or totally. To be earthquake serviceable would mean that he structure would still be able to be used for its intended purpose, after a major earthquake.

Essentially, earthquake engineering deals with the structure of the building, not the fascia, wall covering or other decorative items. Damage to these is considered superficial, while structural failure can cause serious injuries and death.

Studying Earthquakes

A large part of earthquake engineering is studying the effects that earthquakes have on structures. Every earthquake causes damage to existing structures, providing a wealth of information to earthquake engineers. Teams of engineers analyze the damage caused by earthquakes, comparing the damage to the structures with seismic data on the force and direction of the earthquake.

Their goal in these studies is to determine the exact cause of any structural failures. They are also looking to determine the reason for the success for any structures which survive the earthquake with minimal damage. This data is essential for future design developments, in an effort to build structures which are even more survivable in the event of earthquakes.

Earthquake engineers depend extensively on testing, both actual physical testing of models and structures on shaker tables, and computer modeling. The data developed through shaker testing validates computer simulations and helps to further develop improved computer models.

Since buildings and other structures can’t be tested, this computer modeling is an important part of the design of new structures. Earthquake engineers are able to input a building’s design into the simulator program and virtually simulate the effects of earthquakes on the building. Changes to materials and construction methods can be tested in this manner, to determine the most earthquake resistant design.

Designing for Earthquake Resistance

For a structure to be earthquake resistant, it doesn’t necessarily have to be extremely strong or extremely expensive. Survivability has a lot more to do with the quality of the construction, specifically joints between various components, than it does with overall strength.

An important part of earthquake sustainability is dependent upon the flexibility of the materials used in construction. Concrete, a common material used in construction, is not very earthquake resistant. That’s because it is extremely strong under compression, but very weak under tension. Earthquakes cause both compression and tension, creating cracks in the concrete.

This is why concrete structures are reinforced with steel rods (re-bar), because steel is strong under tension. Pre-stressing concrete can help make the concrete more resilient to earthquakes, as the constant stress on the concrete structure helps prevent it from coming under tension.

Steel structures, such as steel truss bridges are some of the most earthquake proof structures that exist. Not only is steel strong both under tension and compression, but it is somewhat flexible as well. The elasticity inherent in steel allows the structure to flex and still return to its original shape.

One of the technologies which have been developed to help high-rise structures withstand the forces of earthquakes is the Tuned Mass Damper, also known as a Harmonic Absorber. This mass of this weight is determined by careful calculation of the building’s weight and design. The intent of the damper is to work on the resonance frequency of the building, not the weight of the building.

Located in the upper floors of the building, the weight is coupled to the building with shock absorbers or springs. As earthquakes and other lateral forces (such as high winds) act upon the building, the weight acts according to the first law of physics, not swaying with the building. This helps to dampen the lateral movement of the building.

Taipei 101, the world’s second tallest building has one of the largest tuned mass dampers ever installed in a building. The 660 metric ton damper is installed between the 87th and 88th floors and suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor.

At the foundation of most skyscrapers, a number of technologies are employed to control how the base of the building interfaces with the foundation. In its simplest form, base isolation has the building sitting on top of the foundation, but not actually attached to it. As the ground and foundation moves, the building resists movement, attempting to stay in one place, according to Newton’s first law.

Base isolation can be coupled with a variety of dampers, which act as giant shock absorbers to help isolate the building from the vibrations happening in the ground. Lead rubber bearings, invented by Bill Robinson from New Zealand in 1974 are the current state-of-the-art in base dampening of buildings. These work under the same principle as smaller rubber shock mounts used for motors and other mechanical devices.

Conclusion

As civil engineers strive to design bigger buildings, bridges and other structures to meet mankind’s growing needs, the need for earthquake engineering is increasing all the time. The devastating effects of recent earthquakes have demonstrated the need for improved earthquake engineering design. This is one civil engineering field that still has plenty of room for growth and development; providing ample opportunity for the ambitious engineer.